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Esports

OpenAI wins $200 million US defense contract

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ChatGPT creator OpenAI has been awarded a $200M contract with the United States Department of Defense to help develop AI tools for the country.

On Monday, June 16, the US Department of Defense revealed a series of new contracts for the Air Force, Navy, Army, and more.

That includes the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, which awarded a $200 million contract to OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, to develop “prototype frontier AI capabilities” that will help address “critical national security challenges” in both warfighting and enterprise domains.

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The work is estimated to be finished in July 2026, and OpenAI detailed its plans further in a blog post of its own.

OpenAI launches ‘OpenAI for government’ program

“Today we’re launching OpenAI for Government, a new initiative focused on bringing our most advanced AI tools to public servants across the United States,” said the company.

“Our goal is to unlock AI solutions that enhance the capabilities of government workers, help them cut down on the red tape and paperwork, and let them do more of what they come to work each day to do: serve the American people.”

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Through the contract they were awarded by the United States DOD, OpenAI hopes to “transform its administrative operations” by improving how service members and their families get health care and supporting “proactive cyber defense.”

The ChatGPT creators also made it clear that everything done by the government employees must abide by the company’s existing usage policies and guidelines.

OpenAI has continued to work on different ways to advance ChatGPT’s various models since it first launched in November 2022, and often gives the public a chance to see what it’s capable of online.

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Back in May, ChatGPT’s o3 model went live on Twitch to stream an entirely automated playthrough of the classic Game Boy game Pokemon Red.



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Microsoft And Video Game Workers Union Reach Tentative Agreement On Labor Contract
Game Updates

Microsoft And Video Game Workers Union Reach Tentative Agreement On Labor Contract

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The Communications Workers of America, the union representing QA testers at ZeniMax, announced today that it has reached a tentative agreement on a labor contract with Microsoft. If implemented, this contract will be one of the first to go into effect at one of the big AAA game publishers.

Last month, the union voted to authorize a strike in response to challenges to the contract negotiation process; this agreement would avoid a strike from being carried out. In a press release, CWA shared that the agreed contract would grant ZeniMax employees significantly increased protections and would raise pay across the board. It would also implement guidelines on the use of AI, restrict “arbitrary dismissal,” and create processes to ensure that QA testers adequately receive credit in video games that they contribute to.

QA testing has been a hotspot of unionization efforts in the games industry, some of which have been targeted with union-busting efforts. At ZeniMax, the QA testers’ union represents around 300 employees and has been fighting for several years for this contract. In response to the agreement, Jessee Leese, a QA tester and union representative at ZeniMax, stated, “Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity. Organizing unions, bargaining for a contract, and speaking with one collective voice has allowed workers to take back the autonomy we all deserve.”

In early 2023, ZeniMax employees created ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, a coalition of CWA units embedded in the company that was made possible under Microsoft’s neutrality agreement with union activism. Since then, unionization has expanded at Microsoft to include more teams; earlier in May, for instance, the Overwatch 2 team at Blizzard announced that it has fully unionized. There are now over 2,000 unionized employees at Microsoft.

This contract still needs to complete several hurdles before it can be fully implemented. Now that both parties have tentatively agreed, the union will hold a series of explanation sessions for its members to learn about its provisions. Then, in late June, CWA expects to hold a ratification vote among its members.

Disclosure: The author of this article is a member of CWA by way of a graduate student union.



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ZeniMax QA workers have reached a tentative contract agreement with Microsoft, paving the way for better wages and more
Game Updates

ZeniMax QA workers have reached a tentative contract agreement with Microsoft, paving the way for better wages and more

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Yesterday, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, the union made up of more than 300 quality assurance workers at Microsoft via its subsidiary ZeniMax Media, reached a tentative contract agreement with Microsoft. The union was formed back in 2022, and has been bargaining with Microsoft in the intervening years since. Last month, the union was preparing to potentially strike against Microsoft, but now it seems like this may be avoided.


If fully agreed to, the contract will bring in “substantial across-the-board wage increases as well as new minimum salaries for workers”, according to a press release from the CWA. On top of that, there would be protections against arbitrary dismissal, grievance procedures, and a “crediting policy that clearly acknowledges the QA workers’ contributions to the video games they help create.” The press release notes that the agreement would also include an agreement made in 2023 in relation to how AI is used in the workplace.


To be clear, this contract isn’t set in stone just yet. Explanation meetings need to be held for members over the coming weeks, and according to the CWA a ratification vote should be completed by June 20th. If it goes through, it will be a huge win for the workers, and should set a big precedent for game workers employed at a Microsoft-owned studio.


Earlier this month, a union made up of almost 200 Overwatch devs was also formed alongside the CWA, called the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild. Microsoft have already recognised this union as well. If things continue to go well for ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, perhaps we’ll see wins at other unions further down the line. I for one have my fingers deeply tied for such results.



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Microsoft acknowledges it supplied AI technology to Israel's Ministry of Defense, but "no evidence" it's been used to "target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza"
Game Reviews

CWA negotiates new contract for ZeniMax including “substantial” wage increases and a credits policy for QA staff

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The Communications Workers of America (CWA) says it has reached a “historic tentative contract agreement” with ZeniMax Media staff at Microsoft.

In a statement, the union calls the deal a “first for the video game industry”, and revealed it had been negotiating for a first contract for “nearly two years”.

“QA workers from across the country continue to lead the charge for industry-wide change,” said Page Branson, Senior II QA Tester and ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee member. “Going toe-to-toe with one of the largest corporations in the world isn’t a small feat. This is a monumental victory for all current video game workers and for those that come after.”

Xbox currently has more first-party games coming to PlayStation 5 this year than Sony.Watch on YouTube

The new contract is said to set “new standards for the industry” and includes “substantial across-the-board wage increases as well as new minimum salaries for workers”. It also includes protections against arbitrary dismissal, grievance procedures, and a crediting policy that “clearly acknowledges the QA workers’ contributions to the video games they help create”, as well as a previously announced agreement on how artificial intelligence is introduced and implemented in the workplace.

“Workers in the video game industry are demonstrating once again that collective power works. This agreement shows what’s possible when workers stand together and refuse to accept the status quo,” added CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Whether it’s having a say about the use of AI in the workplace, fighting for significant wage increases and fair crediting policies, or protecting workers from retaliation, our members have raised the bar. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.”

BREAKING: We have reached a historic first tentative contract agreement with Microsoft!

cwa-union.org/news/release…

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— CWA (@cwaunion.bsky.social) May 30, 2025 at 5:04 PM

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Members can expect contract explanation meetings over the next few weeks, and a ratification vote is expected by 20th June.

As game development becomes increasingly insecure all over the world, more and more developers and performers are organising collective bargaining. Following news of the SAG-AFTRA strike last year, Equity stated it stood “in solidarity”, but would not be authorising a strike. It did, however, recently call on the games industry to improve conditions for performers, and a protest took place outside BAFTA Games Awards as Equity members held placards reading “Union contracts in gaming now”.

Last month, the US union warned of “alarming loopholes” for “AI abuse” in the latest proposal to end industrial action, while earlier this month, almost 200 Overwatch developers working at Activision Blizzard joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union after the “overwhelming majority” of workers signed up.



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ZeniMax QA workers win tentative union contract with Microsoft
Product Reviews

ZeniMax QA workers win tentative union contract with Microsoft

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After two years of negotiating, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, the union representing quality assurance workers at ZeniMax Media, has reached a tentative union contract with Microsoft, according to the Communication Workers of America. The union originally formed in 2023 and was immediately recognized by Microsoft, which made its commitment to stay neutral towards union organizing at ZeniMax official in 2024.

The new contract will cover over 300 ZeniMax employees and includes “substantial across-the-board wage increases as well as new minimum salaries for workers,” the CWA says. The contract also includes language protecting workers from the impacts of AI and “a crediting policy that clearly acknowledges the QA workers’ contributions to the video games they help create.”

“Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity,” Jessee Leese, a QA tester and ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee member shared in the CWA announcement. “Our first contract is an invitation for video game professionals everywhere to take action. We’re the ones who make these games, and we’ll be the ones to set new standards for fair treatment.”

The new contract is considered “tentative” until union members ratify it, but because existing contracts often act as a reference in ongoing negotiations, the agreements ZeniMax workers secured will likely serve as a standard for other unions going forward. ZeniMax QA testers aren’t the only video game union at Microsoft — QA workers at Raven Software, QA workers at Activision, workers at ZeniMax Online Studios and the development team behind Overwatch are all still in active negotiations with the company.

Outside of Microsoft, the CWA also announced the United Game Workers-CWA union at this year’s GDC, as a another option for representation. United Game Workers-CWA is a direct-join union, a labor organization that all workers in an industry can participate in without needing legal recognition from an employer. The idea is that currently employed workers, anyone who’s been laid off and freelancers can all still wield power together, even without a potential contract hanging in the balance.



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Bethesda Devs Win Union Contract After Threatening To Strike
Game Updates

Bethesda Devs Win Union Contract After Threatening To Strike

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Image: Bethesda / Microsoft

ZeniMax Workers United just became the biggest game developer union in the country yet to win a contract at a major publisher. The group of over 300 quality assurance testers across franchises like Fallout and Doom secured an agreement with Microsoft that includes wage increases, salary minimums, and crediting procedures.

Why People Are Rushing To Sell Their Xbox Series X To GameStop Right Now

“Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity. Organizing unions, bargaining for a contract, and speaking with one collective voice has allowed workers to take back the autonomy we all deserve,” ZeniMax QA tester and bargaining committee member Jessee Leese said in a press release. “Our first contract is an invitation for video game professionals everywhere to take action. We’re the ones who make these games, and we’ll be the ones to set new standards for fair treatment.”

The contract will now go to the full membership for review with a ratification vote planned for June 20. Once completed, ZeniMax devs, including staff at Bethesda Game Studios, will have won the biggest collective bargaining agreement yet of any of the major gaming unions that have formed in recent years. Sega of America staff secured their first union contract last year, while developers at other Microsoft-owned studios, including the Overwatch 2 and World of Warcraft teams at Blizzard, as well as Call of Duty testers at Raven Software, continue bargaining.

The ZeniMax contract comes just two months after union employees there threatened to go on strike if an agreement wasn’t reached following a nearly two-year-long negotiation process. The Communications Workers of America, which represents ZeniMax Workers United and other Microsoft gaming unions, previously filed an unfair labor practice charge against the tech giant claiming it was slow-walking the talks. The new contract, once ratified, will provide important benchmarks for other teams currently hashing out agreements.

Correction 5/30/2025 6:56 p.m. ET: Sega of America workers were the first union at a major gaming company to secure a contract.

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Bengals' contract dispute with Trey Hendrickson lingering
Esports

Bengals’ contract dispute with Trey Hendrickson lingering

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  • Ben BabyMay 29, 2025, 06:00 AM ET

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      Ben Baby covers the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN. He joined the company in July 2019. Prior to ESPN, he worked for various newspapers in Texas, most recently at The Dallas Morning News where he covered college sports. He provides daily coverage of the Bengals for ESPN.com, while making appearances on SportsCenter, ESPN’s NFL shows and ESPN Radio programs. A native of Grapevine, Texas, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He is an adjunct journalism professor at Southern Methodist University and a member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).

CINCINNATI — The Bengals resolved two major contract situations this offseason, but a significant one lingers as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

After inking wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term contracts, the situation with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains unresolved.

The NFL’s sack leader in 2024 has not participated in any voluntary workouts this offseason as he looks to get a new contract. Last season, Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, was named to The Associated Press All-Pro team and reached the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight season.

Bengals reporter Ben Baby and National reporter Jeremy Fowler look at the biggest questions for Hendrickson and the Bengals as Phase 3 of the offseason program heads to mandatory minicamp on June 10.

How did we get here?

This year marks the third straight year Hendrickson has sought some sort of action on his contract. In 2023, he signed a one-year extension that included an $8 million signing bonus. One year later, he wanted to sign a long-term deal but was rebuffed. That prompted a trade request that went unanswered.

This offseason, Hendrickson again requested the opportunity to pursue a trade amid the lack of a deal. But this time, it was granted. Cincinnati allowed Hendrickson to explore the market before free agency and the NFL draft.

According to a source familiar with the proceedings, several teams initially showed interest in signing Hendrickson to a long-term contract if they could successfully trade for him. However, nothing materialized, leading to the prolonged negotiation between both sides. — Baby

Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks last season, but will he spend some of this season watching from the sideline with a contract dispute? Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

What is the buzz around the league?

Most teams agree the Bengals are in a tough spot because of the market realities of Hendrickson’s value. Four pass rushers earn more than $34 million per year, and Hendrickson’s play as a sack leader suggests he should be in that group with Myles Garrett, Danielle Hunter, Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa.

Hendrickson not only wants proper market value, but he wants long-term security, which means a one- or two-year deal probably won’t suffice.

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Some around the league believe Cincinnati will figure out a way to keep him.

“I can’t see how they can let a great player go for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now,” an NFC executive said. Trade talks have cooled, with the belief that Cincinnati either didn’t get an offer including a first-round pick or it rebuffed engaging trade offers in March. It feels like this is contract extension or bust, at least right now.

“I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves,” another NFC executive said. “The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them.”

If no deal occurs, I’ve spoken to several people who believe Hendrickson very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season. “He’s extremely dug in,” a source said. — Fowler

How did the market shift in the offseason affect the contract talks?

A couple of deals this offseason have exacerbated the situation between Cincinnati and Hendrickson. When the two sides talked in 2024, at a time Hendrickson believed the Bengals were interested in rewarding a quality season with a new deal, it was hard to predict how the contract value for edge rushers was going to jump.

First, Garrett signed a record-breaking deal worth $40 million annually, ending his own acrimonious standoff with the Cleveland Browns. Then the Houston Texans and Hunter agreed to an extension worth $35.6 million a year. Hunter is 30. His contract features several void years and effectively runs through 2026, but it raised the price point further. And Hendrickson took notice.

“Having that conversation in July of 2024 does not forecast May of 2025,” Hendrickson said. — Baby

Do the Bengals have the cap space?

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The Bengals typically like to reserve enough cap space to get through an entire season, which leads to a more conservative approach compared to other teams around the league.

So while Cincinnati technically has $27.6 million in cap space for 2025, not all of that is immediately available for player acquisition. For example, when Zack Moss went down with a season-ending neck injury last season, Cincinnati was able to acquire running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears.

That being said, the Bengals do have the necessary space to account for expenses during the season and a potential Hendrickson extension.

He is set to earn $15.8 million plus $200,000 in bonuses this season. By reworking contracts and finalizing the future of linebacker Germaine Pratt, who represents $5.8 million in cap savings, Cincinnati could construct a deal that can get Hendrickson in the range of $28 million to $30 million annually. — Baby

Which side needs the other more?

By far, it’s the Bengals. Even if Hendrickson gets cut, teams will be champing at the bit to sign someone who has a base salary of $15.8 million for 2025.

To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the same annual salary as the Chicago Bears’ Dayo Odeyingbo (three sacks in 2024).

Last season, Hendrickson accounted for 48% of the team’s sack total. The Bengals notably did not have a good defense last season. Not having one of the NFL’s leaders in virtually every major pass rush category will not make improving under new coordinator Al Golden any easier as the Bengals try to snap a two-year playoff drought. — Baby

Could this drag into the regular season?

Absolutely. Hendrickson has firmly indicated that he has no desire to play on his current contract. When asked point-blank if he was willing to skip games, he artfully danced around the question.

But the nonanswer, coupled with his other comments during a lengthy interview session with local reporters in May, signals that it could last into the regular season. Hendrickson has already been informed he could be fined if he misses the mandatory minicamp. While the lost money could sting temporarily, Hendrickson has made it very clear he has strong convictions about his value and current deal with the Bengals. — Baby

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Ryan Clark explains why it is imperative that the Bengals don’t get off to a slow start again.

If they can’t get a deal done, what are the other options?

Hendrickson could be the one who relents and plays out the final year of his deal. That would make him a free agent next year. However, earning a deal at the same amount in 2026 as he commands this offseason is the furthest thing from a guarantee, considering Hendrickson’s age.

He could end up making this as bitter as possible, as Carlos Dunlap did in 2020, which left the Bengals no choice but to trade him in the middle of the season. If the rest of the league knows Cincinnati has to eradicate a toxic situation, that could also impact the type of trade compensation teams are willing to offer. — Baby

How are his teammates responding to his stance?

Players have been mostly supportive of Hendrickson’s decision to stand his ground and seek a new deal. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been one of his most ardent backers.

However, Burrow did have an interesting comment when asked about Hendrickson’s situation. “Just like anybody, I’m sure there’s things he’d like to have back,” Burrow said on May 20. “He’s very well thought out in his process and what he’s trying to do. If he thinks that’s the way to go, then that’s the way to go.”

Fellow teammates want Hendrickson to be rewarded for what he has brought to the team, and the locker room as well. “He’s an amazing player, man,” Chase said Tuesday. “I mean, everyone sees it. We all see what he does to this team, the energy he brought back the day he came in.

“We all know he deserves it.” — Baby



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Oliver Knight
Crypto Trends

DeFi Platform Cork Protocol Suffers $12M Smart Contract Exploit

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Decentralized finance (DeFi) platform Cork Protocol has suffered a smart contract exploit, with hackers reportedly stealing $12 million worth of wrapped staked ether (wstETH).

Blockchain security monitor Cyvers noticed the exploit, stating that the malicious contract was deployed by a wallet likely funded by a service provider.

It added that $12 million worth of wstETH was quickly swapped for ETH.

Cork Protocol received investments from a16z crypto and OrangeDAO in September 2024.

“There was a security incident affecting the wstETH:weETH market at 11:23 UTC today,” Cork wrote on X.

Cork added that it has paused all other markets as a precaution and that it is investigating the root cause.

Security auditing company Debaub wrote that the attacker likely manipulated an issue with the smart contact’s exchange rate by issuing fake tokens.



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